The 30-30 lever action have been my favorite for years, I have own several guns even a single shot in that caliber. But after reading this big bore forum and all the excitement I can detect from the owners of 444 and 45-70 guns I thing I was missing something. I was going to get me another 30-30 but now I'm going to be in the market for a Marlin 444 or 45-70. I need your advice in choosing either one, as I have no experience with big bores. My shooting is going to be deer, varmints and plinking. Also where can I get a straigth stock Marlin. Is this form of stock better for shooting big bores or the pistol grips is better, thanks for your help.

What do you intend to do with the rifle...hunt, plink? The 30-30 is a great deer and black bear round and woods gun. Is this what you will use it for?

On this forum you'll read about a number of folks that rechamber their 30-30 lever guns for 30-30AI, 307 or 356 Win. THey want a bit more uumph than the 30-30 delivers.

Personally, I'd go w/ a 444, 450 Marlin or 45-70. THen you have a round that's also good for elk and moose...or for busting concrete blocks at 50 yards and putting multicolor bruises on your shoulder...this is a manly thing to do.

I prefer the pistol grip. It suits me, but I also have a straight grip 45-70 that's just fine.

But, to each their own in all these questions.

My opinion-go with a 444 Marlin rifle. Go to Beartooth Bullets and read Marshall's (the owner of BBT) three articles on the 444 Marlin. This is what I did 3 years ago, and I have been extremely happy with the performance of my 444 rifle. Those articles really convinced me of how versatile this rifle/load combo is.....it fits my needs perfectly. I only shoot Beartooth hardcast gas-checked lead bullets through mine and it's been great. Hope this helps!

I'll ask the same question,
what do you intend to hunt?

both have their merits, both will kill deer dead. A.444 will leave no varmint left, and will get pricey plinking as compared to a 30-30

My suggestion would be find a nice used 30-30, and with the money saved from buying a used gun, get yourself a 22lr or 22mag for the varmints and plinking.

My .02

It sounds like this is a case of curiosity more than need, so go ahead, satisfy your curiousity. The 1895G (Marlin Guide Gun) in .45-70 would be a great choice and a lot of fun. There's nothing wrong with a .444, and if you want to work up slowly you could get a .35Rem. I've owned and shot them all, plus a .375Win in a Marlin, and like all of them. That being said, I traded off my .444 and .35Rem in order to justify other purchases. Of course, none of these are "varmint" calibers, though I have shot varmints with them. So, I wouldn't plan on taking regular 300 yard shots at woodchucks.

I have a Marlin 30-30 and it sits in the gun safe, my 1895G (Marlin Guide Gun) in .45-70 is what I like to carry. It is great for anything on the North American Continent. Nothing like a big bore.....:D

My understanding is that you already own a 30-30. If that's the case, then a big-bore like the 444 or 45-70 would be a nice fit. If you reload, then shoot the hard cast lead bullets from Beartooth and it's pretty cheap shooting. Good luck!

I have a Marlin 30-30, a 35 Rem., and a 444S. The .444 makes the other two absolutely superfluous. The 30-30 and 35 Rem. are great hunting cartridges. I have used both. But the .444 will do everything they will do and MORE.

While I am still able to do so (at age 62 next season) elk hunting is my passion. I have a nice Rem. 700 Classic in 35 Whelen as my "go to" elk rifle. But the last two season it has been the .444 that tagged my elk.

If you reload the .444 will give lots of versatility.

Ya need a .30-30, a .35 Rem, and a .444. At least that's what I've convinced myself :D

MikeG, you forgot the 45-70

What's wrong with a 38-55???

What's wrong with a 38-55???


Nothing, but it ain't a 45-70...:D:p

What's wrong with a 38-55???

Absolutely nuttin!

Own one myself! Ammo can be scarce, but if you hand roll, it'll give ya better results anyhoo!